'True Detective' season 3 release date news: Matthew McConaughey open to reprising role for third season

HBO programming president Casey Bloys confirmed earlier this year that they are not canceling "True Detective" despite a lackluster second season. However, fans of the anthology crime drama are in for a long wait as development for season 3 has been paused with creator and writer Nic Pizzolatto focusing on other projects. Nevertheless, it's possible that the continued support of a previous cast member will help hasten its release.

Matthew McConaughey, who played Rustin "Rust" Colhe in the critically acclaimed first season of "True Detective," has been very open about how much he enjoyed portraying the disturbed detective and has spoken about possibly returning to the series.

Back in June, the actor made an appearance at "The Rich Eisen Show." He said that he missed the character and getting to watch him on television every Sunday night. McConaughey revealed that given the right context, he would be willing to reprise his role.

McConaughey continues to be at the center of the "True Detective" season 3 discussion after he once again dropped by the "The Rich Eisen Show" on Friday, Dec. 13 and talked about the immense response that his original statements have received.

"I hear that all the time now. 'You said you were going to do season 3. When is it coming?'" he said. However, he revealed that the "ball's not advanced at all" and that Pizzolatto has taken a break from working on "True Detective."

Despite the lack of progress on season 3 of "True Detective," McConaughey's affinity to his season 1 role has not changed.

"If that thing was written well and it came up again, I wouldn't hesitate for a second," he said, adding, "I'm open to it for sure."

Given McConaughey's close relationship to Pizzolatto, his willingness to return to the anthology series could convince both the showrunner and HBO to give "True Detective" another chance. At this time, though, there is no word yet on a possible release date.